Following their second rehearsal, our Rory got a chance to catch up with Wild Youth to discuss their Eurovision 2023 experience in Liverpool so far.
Watch our interview with Wild Youth right here:
During their interview, Rory and Wild Youth discussed how their second rehearsal went, their advice to Irish artists who are looking to take part at Eurovision, as well as asking what is the one thing they have learnt from taking part in the competition.
Wild Youth’s Eurovision journey so far
Wild Youth were selected to represent Ireland through the national final Eurosong 2023, which took place on RTÉ flagship show The Late Late Show. They made it through a field of 6 songs to represent the nation with their song “We Are One”
Wild Youth will perform sixth in the first Eurovision 2023 semi-final on May 9th.
Wild Youth have performed live at, Barcelona Eurovision Party, Polish Eurovision Party, Pre-PartyES in Madrid, Eurovision In Concert and London Eurovision Party
On Sunday, Wild Youth performed on the Eurovision stage for their first rehearsal. You can find out more about their first rehearsal, and our thought’s on that here. on Wednesday Wild Youth rehearsed for the second time you can a part of what their performance will look like on TV here.
Who is Wild Youth?
Wild Youth were formed in Dublin in 2016 by singer Conor O’Donohoe, drummer Callum McAdam, guitarist Ed Porter and keyboard player David Whelan. Not long after, they released their debut single “All Or Nothing”. Their first (and so far only) album, The Last Goodbye, was released in 2019, followed by EP Forever Girl in 2021.They have also supported some of the world’s biggest names on tour, including Niall Horan, Zara Larsson, Lewis Capaldi and Westlife.
O’Donohoe in particular has seen success as a songwriter for some major acts, with credits on songs performed by ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog, The Script ,Westlife and Britney Spears. He was awarded a Grammy in 2013 for “Stronger”, performed by Kelly Clarkson. He was one of the writers of Ireland’s 2017 Eurovision entry, “Dying To Try”.
In an interview with Eurovision World, O’Donohoe discussed how the lyrics of “We Are One” are reflective of Eurovision more broadly:
I believe that people are incredibly accepting, and it feels like there’s no judgement. That’s why I feel like Eurovision is an incredible place. I think a lot of people can learn from it because it does feel like a place where everyone is one. We’re all human at the end of the day, and we all have hearts and we all care.
People are so kind and giving with their time and compliments. And that’s why the lyrics contain “tonight we are one,” because it feels like that in that moment. The world could take inspiration from that feeling.
“We Are One” was written by members Conor O’Donohoe and Ed Porter, alongside Jörgen Elofsson.
Ireland’s Eurovision journey
In 1965, Ireland made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest with Butch Moore and the song “Walking the Streets in the Rain”, which managed to place 6th. Since their debut, Ireland has participated 55 times (making the Grand Final 45 times), and has won the competition seven times, which is currently the record for most wins.
Ireland’s latest Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Brooke Scullion, with her song “That’s Rich”. She placed 15th in the semi-final, receiving 47 points from the jury and televote.
What do you think of our interview with Wild Youth? Do you think they will qualify for the final this year? Where would you like Ireland to finish this year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we cover the rehearsals of Eurovision 2023!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
